The Upward Mobility Program

October 2, 2019

The Upward Mobility Unit works to help employees in certain eligible classifications to promote.

Did you know CDCR has a program dedicated to offering dynamic learning and growth opportunities for employees? The Upward Mobility Program (UMP) unit offers assistance to eligible employees in certain classifications who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities that would allow them to advance to higher-paying technical, professional and administrative classifications.

Submit your ideas

Have you been enjoying the Inside CDCR videos? This project highlights the staff, volunteers, community partners, programs, and incarcerated men and women that make the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation exceptional. If you have a story we should cover, please email Kristina.Khokhobashvili@cdcr.ca.gov.

TRANSCRIPT

Tony Subia

Have you been in your current entry-level classification for a few years or more wondering, “How can I move around in the Department? What are the resources available to me for career planning and mobility?”

Hi. I’m Tony Subia, and my own career path is an example of how one can start in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a student assistant, and through dedication and hard work, serve as a Staff Services Manager II in the Advanced Learning Institute and Employee Development Programs Unit.

There is a solution and a formal program that specializes in
providing career advancement assistance.

The Upward Mobility Program, or UMP.

The UMP will provide resources to help explore career
opportunities and assist participants in career development.

Leslie Matthews

Hi, I am Leslie Matthews and I am the UMP Coordinator for
CDCR.

Congratulations on researching the tools and resources
available to you to assist with advancing your career.

The UMP is mandated in all state departments by Government
Code Section 19401.

The law specified certain classifications that are eligible
to participate as noted on the screen.

Anyone working in one of the specified classifications may
apply to the UMP if they are a permanent employee in CDCR; have completed
probation in CDCR; are in compliance with organizational requirements,
including code of conduct, mandatory training, and attendance requirements.

For those who do not meet the criteria for participation,
please note that all resources developed for the UMP are available on the
Internet and the Intranet.

The purpose of the UMP is to provide participants with
various tools and resources to develop themselves for possible advancement to
higher-paying technical, professional, and administrative classifications.

These are also known as TPA classifications. Tony will now
explain how it all works.

Subia

This services provided by UMP staff include career
counseling, assistance with applications, resumes, cover letters ,and
Statements of Qualifications, or SOQs, mock interviews, and career development
resources.

Expectations of the UMP participants include exhibit a
willingness to promote; set personal development goals to meet the minimum
qualifications, or MQs, of a TPA classification within a two-year period;
search and apply for exams; keep your state application and resume updated; be
proactive and open to feedback and suggestions; and understand that
participating in the UMP does not guarantee a promotion.

Employees accepted into the UMP will receive a welcome
packet and be contacted by UMP staff to schedule a consultation to discuss
their upward mobility goals and expectations.

The employee, their direct supervisor, and the UMP staff,
all have roles to play in administering UMP efforts.

However, the ultimate responsibility in achieving career
goals rests with the employee.

Leslie will let you know how to get started.

Matthews

If you meet the criteria noted and are interested in the UMP
program, please complete CDCR 2040, Upward Mobility Program Application and
Career Development Plan, a fillable PDF form available on the Intranet.

Consult with your supervisor regarding realistic goals and
have them sign the CDCR 2040.